tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74137910804572536792018-03-06T09:25:58.770-06:00it's our monkey circus...~~ where everyday is a new adventure ~~annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.comBlogger191125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-87478776414564139782016-08-29T23:29:00.001-05:002016-08-30T18:12:25.073-05:00#PlayWithFire<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">Y'all.&nbsp;</span><br><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><br></span><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">This book right here.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bjq-LgmP44A/V7uxkM3KKAI/AAAAAAAABMU/D2IP3J_4IwcE2O7kNpo-8Zn6H3__jymGgCK4B/s1600/PWF.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Bianca Juarez Olthoff" border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bjq-LgmP44A/V7uxkM3KKAI/AAAAAAAABMU/D2IP3J_4IwcE2O7kNpo-8Zn6H3__jymGgCK4B/s320/PWF.jpg" title="Play with Fire" width="209"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am not usually at a loss for words...<br>{zip it, now. you know who I'm talking to}<br><br>but, <i>seriously <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01863JK76/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&amp;btkr=1" target="_blank">THIS BOOK</a></i>.<br><br>It has become apparent to me that God sure had a plan when I was chosen for this book launch team. Nothing could have been more appropriately timed... Coincidental? No. I know better than that. I know that His timing is perfect. He knows what I need waaayyyyyy more than I do. He knows... Period.<br><br>I have read and highlighted... scribbled scripture references... written quotes... re-read and underlined... re-read and re-read... more underlining with asterisks. All in preparation for this part. I had all kinds of things to share. I had all kinds of quotes prepared. I had all of it. BUT... then, it's not my place. It's not my story. Not mine to tell. And, I cannot do it justice.<br><br>However, what I will tell you is that in our seasons (and we all <u>will</u> have them), when it feels least like it, God is there. I needed that reminder. I needed to know it wasn't just me. I needed scriptures to stand on. Sometimes it feels like He is far away... He is closer than the air. Sometimes it feels like He is not listening, not even noticing. Oh, but sweet soul, He sees... every detail, every tear. He has made provision, regardless of the situation. He has given us community, if we allow ourselves to be open. And He will use us. We just must be willing to allow Him.<br><br>You should quit reading and just <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01863JK76/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&amp;btkr=1" target="_blank">get the book</a>. Right now. Go on, I'll wait.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">{insert elevator music... I'll spare you my serenading, and for that you are certainly welcome.}<br><br>Now, go find your pen and your highlighter. Oh, and grab a notebook. You're gonna need them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~ hugs ~~<br><br>anne</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div>annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-8579383943010909382015-08-31T20:59:00.001-05:002015-08-31T21:25:07.937-05:00Happy birthday, buddy.Eight years old. Eight years. As in 96 months. 416 weeks. 2,920 days. That's how old this sweet boy is today. That's how many days we have been blessed by Cale.<br /><div><br /></div><div>He has the sweetest heart, and&nbsp;<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">a warrior spirit. He loves basketball, riding his bike, and shooting his BB gun. He hates when school is&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">over for the year and lives for nerf gun wars. Most of all, he says he loves his family... But I think we love him the most.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">What a ride we've already had with this boy. I know God has big plans for him... Bigger than any of us can imagine!!!&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Dude, I love you to the moon and back... all the time, no matter what. Happy, happiest birthday, bud.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zFPyKgdkgh4/VeUGdz_vZJI/AAAAAAAABLs/kLQQiXKWY0s/s640/blogger-image-844966252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zFPyKgdkgh4/VeUGdz_vZJI/AAAAAAAABLs/kLQQiXKWY0s/s400/blogger-image-844966252.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div>annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-21324285213944695952015-08-18T07:45:00.000-05:002015-08-18T08:43:21.600-05:00FOR THE LOVE!!!!!!!!<a href="http://www.forthelovebook.com/" target="_blank">#ForTheLove</a>, it's #FTLlaunchday and I don't even know where to start. This book, y'all. Seriously. This could be the best Jen Hatmaker book. Evah. This book grips your heart... as a wife, mother, friend... mostly as a woman.<br /><br />I've read, highlighted, noted, laughed, cried, made my husband listen to my favorite parts, and then re-read Jen'a new book,&nbsp;<a href="http://forthelovebook.com/" target="_blank">For The Love</a>. I don't feel like I have adequate words to summarize it other than to tell you this... I. LOVE. IT. I love her. This book... it's like you're having a cup of coffee out of your favorite mug, in your favorite flannel pants, with your favorite, most comfortable friend. And she's speaking truth straight to your places. And she is freakin' hilarious... As in I cried so hard I started crying for real. And she's real... As in i started crying so hard that I couldn't see through the tears. And she calls out the crap, you know, like it's crap but with a pretty little bow. It might wreck you, so get ready. #bless<br /><br />Beautifully made by the magic of the graphics fairies of the #500, I give you snippets...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">on committments...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INo0k5pp1Y0/VdMv8xuf_kI/AAAAAAAABK8/dSqwYXGHVlM/s1600/11062065_10206676980150629_5376465380176841011_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INo0k5pp1Y0/VdMv8xuf_kI/AAAAAAAABK8/dSqwYXGHVlM/s320/11062065_10206676980150629_5376465380176841011_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">on a call to live a worthy life...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pXDxBnzFKRU/VdMv9COBkFI/AAAAAAAABLA/1CoLr9wdKYc/s1600/11243804_10205962386112349_5611488703754811274_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pXDxBnzFKRU/VdMv9COBkFI/AAAAAAAABLA/1CoLr9wdKYc/s320/11243804_10205962386112349_5611488703754811274_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">on parenting...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQPlzx0Imow/VdMv9BiNdFI/AAAAAAAABLE/O76Y1ufVGGI/s1600/11888067_10203432316323664_6162438554007117994_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQPlzx0Imow/VdMv9BiNdFI/AAAAAAAABLE/O76Y1ufVGGI/s320/11888067_10203432316323664_6162438554007117994_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">on people...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rVTiOGpXpjQ/VdMv9qlbfjI/AAAAAAAABLI/gv7yHT33Yp0/s1600/11902582_10153310320666704_6564613097392225040_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rVTiOGpXpjQ/VdMv9qlbfjI/AAAAAAAABLI/gv7yHT33Yp0/s320/11902582_10153310320666704_6564613097392225040_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;of living life together...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eqIWXEpuWUg/VdKsqP0DCPI/AAAAAAAABKE/jBzKMmwuBXg/s1600/11889602_10207881614144224_3851602806744661174_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eqIWXEpuWUg/VdKsqP0DCPI/AAAAAAAABKE/jBzKMmwuBXg/s320/11889602_10207881614144224_3851602806744661174_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">full of simple truth...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-akj4ZtQKYvE/VdKtRl2Z83I/AAAAAAAABKU/430-IiZtz3M/s1600/11825042_10206369296985228_3869512708747510230_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-akj4ZtQKYvE/VdKtRl2Z83I/AAAAAAAABKU/430-IiZtz3M/s320/11825042_10206369296985228_3869512708747510230_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And then there's this gem...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pT3rWTKuuhs/VdKsp0BUmxI/AAAAAAAABKI/cLawYBvKbQo/s1600/11822506_10206369296145207_9216501247154949442_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pT3rWTKuuhs/VdKsp0BUmxI/AAAAAAAABKI/cLawYBvKbQo/s320/11822506_10206369296145207_9216501247154949442_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy... then let's talk.</div>annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-66871072948493348922015-08-13T21:24:00.001-05:002015-08-13T21:39:14.504-05:00Time for school: the first dayThese little folks... The tribe I birthed... This was a big day for them, for all of us. Today was the first day of school. It was super big. This year we made a move. It is back to a previous school for the older two, and it's a totally new school for the youngest.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>I've been sooo emotional about all of this. Lots of prayer and many tears have led to big changes for our family. Sometimes you just obey, even when you don't understand. Trusting. That's where we are, where we choose to take our stand.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>This is such an amazing year. It's our last first day of first grade... and the only year they'll all be in elementary together. Forever. They're growing and changing right before my eyes. Some days I don't notice anything, and other days the changes unfold before my very eyes. Today was a day of watching it all unfold. I watched my babies courageously walk into brand new classrooms, without "their people", and take on this new adventure with nervous excitement.</div><div><br></div><div>We are giddy, anticipating what all God has in store for them this year... Here's to another year!!!&nbsp;<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OQQY9fPEs-M/Vc1T6XNxqKI/AAAAAAAABJk/3M25U_YTCbg/s640/blogger-image-1384757531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OQQY9fPEs-M/Vc1T6XNxqKI/AAAAAAAABJk/3M25U_YTCbg/s640/blogger-image-1384757531.jpg"></a></div></div>annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-82107487844836162012015-08-09T20:57:00.000-05:002015-08-09T20:58:13.766-05:00Time for school: The prep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">School is about to start!!! Only 4 more days. And with school starting soon, it can mean only one thing... BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING! Who doesn't love a brand new notebook and some new crayons... that I may or may not still smell.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, I always have these fantastic dreams of back to school shopping (or any shopping experience, really). You know the one where everyone keeps their hands in their little pockets and never ask for anything extra. But that is all that it is... a dream. The way it usually plays out with my circus is things start flying in the basket at warp speed, while they simultainously rapid-fire questions at me.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">FOR THE LOVE. I JUST NEED A MINUTE TO THINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's be honest. Back to school shopping is not for the faint of heart, no matter how many littles you are charged with shopping for. After several years of failed attempts, this year I took a trip down memory lane before I jumped in. Whilst meandering that path, I realized that I know what will work for me! I will collect all the lists, compile into one big list, and then tackle it... alone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;A-L-O-N-E. This year, that is the key for me... the key to my SANITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, off i went to tackle that big 'ol list. Just me, my buggy, my list, and my trusty pen. My metal sidekicks and I snatched up almost everything we needed and in quite a timely fashion, I might add. I made my way to the checkout and unloaded my haul onto the conveyer belt. As my bags began to fill, I noticed the mama behind me unloading her considerably smaller haul, as room became available. I glanced at her stash. Then I looked at my overflowing bags, and again at her things. For a brief second, I stood there and thought I'd like for my pile to be that small. And then... BAM. Would I really? Really? Because if my pile was that small, I wouldn't have the circus. And there would be no entertainment. And there would be (gasp!) silence. I don't do silence well. And it would be boring. I don't like boring, either. And there wouldn't be well, for instance... just now. Lily can't find lankie. That's because lankie is in the dryer. Because I sneaked lankie into the washer this afternoon when Lily wasn't looking. And in the 18 seconds since I've informed her of that, she has proceeded to have a meltdown because I've "washed lankie's smells away!" What?!?! True story.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sometimes I wish I was the sweet, ever patient, never yells or says anything she wishes she could take back, kind of mama. I am not her. And I'm ok with that. And those precious littles who are loud and rowdy children are exactly who God made them to be. He picked me to be their mama. Craziness and all.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did take them for clothes and shoe shopping... and once or twice may have questioned that decision on #taxfreeweekend. That $12.68 I saved wasn't worth it. At all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then there's this... the very haul that hit me like a ton of bricks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O7Q0agFC-nY/VcffzkHDayI/AAAAAAAABJM/VONtVND4wlg/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O7Q0agFC-nY/VcffzkHDayI/AAAAAAAABJM/VONtVND4wlg/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sometimes people ask what it's like having 3 kids. I tell them it's crazy and we're outnumbered, and now I'll say it's worth every school-shopping penny.</div>annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-31113085070760133582015-06-02T05:37:00.000-05:002015-06-02T13:41:18.034-05:00national bubba day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">happy national bubba day to mine...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZKwO_U05C4/VW3qr0l_aDI/AAAAAAAABIk/g2aIM0xFSLI/s1600/IMG_8715.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZKwO_U05C4/VW3qr0l_aDI/AAAAAAAABIk/g2aIM0xFSLI/s320/IMG_8715.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">bub, you're such a <strike>pain in my</strike> blessing to me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and happy national bubba day to the one i birthed...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHACL3egOKo/VW3qsVF8elI/AAAAAAAABIo/BeAgosgvjgk/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHACL3egOKo/VW3qsVF8elI/AAAAAAAABIo/BeAgosgvjgk/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cale, the girls may not know it now, but their lives are richer because of you.</div>annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-67391835825288455552015-01-13T22:39:00.001-06:002015-01-13T22:41:14.202-06:00gracie is ten!!!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AApywuatjLk/VLXzGoWzA9I/AAAAAAAABHw/F-29H6STe54/s640/blogger-image-359781768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AApywuatjLk/VLXzGoWzA9I/AAAAAAAABHw/F-29H6STe54/s640/blogger-image-359781768.jpg"></a></div>annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-66594937590579467572014-11-11T21:54:00.003-06:002014-11-12T13:55:53.189-06:00joo-bee 101had to stop for gas after leaving the office tonight. as we got ready to pull out, the following conversation happened...<br /><br />me: "lily, did you get your seat belt on?"<br /><br />lily: "yep."<br /><br />me: "ok, just making sure. i can see a policeman up ahead."<br /><br />lily: "we don't want to get stopped."<br /><br />me: "nope."<br /><br />lily: "if he stops us, we might go to jail... and that would be no fun."<br /><br />me: "you're right. that would not be fun."<br /><br />lily: "we might go to jail... or we might go to joo-bee."<br /><br />me: "WHHHHAAAAAT???"<br /><br />lily: "you know mom, jail is for adults and joo-bee is for kids."<br /><br />me: "hold on, did you just say ju-vee?"<br /><br />lily: "yes, joo-bee. it's where kids go when they hafta go to jail."<br /><br />me: "oh my... ok, lily... um, where did you hear about joo-bee?"<br /><br />lily: "from gracie. she said kids go to joo-bee when they go to jail. kids like to go to joo-bee."<br /><br />me: "lily, kids do not like to go to joo-bee. it's not a fun place."<br /><br />lily: "i know. i was kidding. it's not a fun place. they make 'em eat yucky stuff."<br /><br />me: "oh yeah, like what?"<br /><br />lily: "ummm... like rotten fish. and when they're bad they get bad emails sent."<br /><br />at this point i decided it best to just keep the remainder of my questions and comments to myself...<br /><br />and just in case you're wondering, gracie has completely denied any part of her sister hearing about "joo-bee"...<br /><br />#wheredoesshegetthisstuff<br />#whatamigonnado<br />#imgonnaneedsomemorescripturesandsomebackup<br /><br /><br />annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-85703363072931998402014-10-31T21:33:00.000-05:002014-11-04T21:33:47.899-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">then...&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wAdweJgxiJU/VFmSk4BNINI/AAAAAAAABHU/TYB60OepsFU/s1600/anne%2BNov%2B2012%2B642%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wAdweJgxiJU/VFmSk4BNINI/AAAAAAAABHU/TYB60OepsFU/s1600/anne%2BNov%2B2012%2B642%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and now...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lC1D3OkycLY/VFmSki85PdI/AAAAAAAABHQ/gBWe6aS7kxA/s1600/IMG_3920%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lC1D3OkycLY/VFmSki85PdI/AAAAAAAABHQ/gBWe6aS7kxA/s1600/IMG_3920%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l4-Ny7AEG2A/VFmSoewQ8yI/AAAAAAAABHg/O72Ms4JGdDc/s1600/IMG_3923%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l4-Ny7AEG2A/VFmSoewQ8yI/AAAAAAAABHg/O72Ms4JGdDc/s1600/IMG_3923%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">what a difference 4 years makes. they are growing too fast. seems as though we blink and they are big. it is marvelous and amazing, yet gut-wrenching all at the same time. it is such an amazing gift God has given to us... we get to be their parents. we get to love them and grow with them... such sweetness that God chose us for them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">p.s... i just want to call your attention to the boots... because it's just... so... lily.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but what would any outfit be without a little lily-flair?</div>annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-28397952068167448652014-09-16T21:57:00.000-05:002014-09-16T21:59:26.781-05:00deep thoughts by cale g.<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let me just set this little scene for you… &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lily was sharing at the dinner table last night about a little girl who hasn’t been very nice to her lately. Now I know Lily can be soooooooooooo Lily-ish, but she is a girl who loves her friends. Oh, they clash sometimes… like 5 year olds who want to be in charge, but she loves them. &nbsp;So we’re talking about this particular little girl, how she’s sometimes mean… and sassy… and storms off when it’s not her way. We talk about how Lily should still be kind to this little girl, but that doesn’t mean she has to take all that mean sass either.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lily: “… and she was mean-a-me!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Me: “well…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cale (who doesn’t even look up from his enchiladas): “I don’t know why anybody would go for a girl like that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And just like that… end of discussion… I just couldn’t… I mean I had nothing else. Nothing. He just wrapped it and tied it with a pretty little bow. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">***Note: &nbsp;to any girl who might ever be interested in Cale… apparently he doesn’t like mean girls.&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></div>annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-88278771059504922152014-09-01T22:15:00.001-05:002014-09-01T23:03:27.148-05:00one year later...<div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't usually tend to dwell on the past, but all day today I have found myself very reflective and emotional. One year ago at this very moment, Cale was 3 hours into a 4 hour emergency brain surgery. As I have spent much of my day today reliving each moment of the whirlwind of craziness that it was, what I keep being reminded of was how undeniable God's presence was in every detail of Cale's ordeal and how His faithfulness shines through each and every single memory I have. I wanted to share a few scriptures we were given during that time ministered to our family and continue to speak life over Cale.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; (Psalm 91:11 NIV)</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and my personal favorite... (the word "preserve" was spoken over Cale many times in the initial events)...&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div></div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Lord protects and preserves them— they are counted among the blessed in the land— he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. (Psalm 41:2 NIV)</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kyle and I believe, with every fiber of our beings, that Cale's healing has been nothing short of a miracle. There were so many ways this could have turned out differently, but it didn't. We know that it was God's hand bringing abundant life and wholeness to our sweet boy.&nbsp;<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We believe God was guarding Cale from the very instant the accident happened.&nbsp;</span>We believe that God was with us and our entire family, holding us, and strengthening us. We believe that God has PRESERVED Cale for His purposes.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our family has seen first hand what it looks like when God works so mightily on our behalf... and one year later, we are blessed and still in awe.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As Your children, and as a family, we give you all the praise and glory for this precious miracle.&nbsp;<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thank you, Father, for Your mighty works.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3uGHdw31erM/VAU-5AkJTcI/AAAAAAAABHA/ng3x1v6sbUM/s640/blogger-image--511770914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3uGHdw31erM/VAU-5AkJTcI/AAAAAAAABHA/ng3x1v6sbUM/s1600/blogger-image--511770914.jpg" /></a></div><br />annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-90762040127029697632014-08-29T08:28:00.000-05:002014-08-29T08:28:52.680-05:00I struggle. You struggle. We struggle.<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I wrote this over 2 weeks ago and have had such a hard time posting it. I guess I've wrestled with what the response would be... but it has been and continues to be on my heart. So, here it goes… <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Guess what? I struggle. There, I said it. It’s true and it’s often. Some days I’m ok with it all and feel like I can tackle whatever is on the agenda and other days, not so much. Then there are the days that I feel like an epic failure everywhere I am. I know I’m not the only one… admit it. Most of the time they’re small little things that need to be done or sometimes it’s extra pressure I put on myself that all add up to AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes. I said it. You wanna know something else? Sometimes I get so overwhelmed, I just wanna scream. I mean really, and not just on paper. Wanna know something else? Last night I did. Right in the middle of the chaos of my sweet life. I wish you could’ve seen the looks on their fac</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">es. Every one of them stopped and just looked at me like I was nuts. I don’t know why it was so strange to them. They do it. What’s the difference? It’s that I’m the mama. I’m not supposed to act like that. I’m not supposed to want to scream. I’m supposed to have it all together. Sometimes I just don’t. Ok, lots of times I don’t.</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>There always seems to be a laundry list of things we allow ourselves to be consumed by. Some of us worry we are not the doting, encouraging wife we should be. Some of us worry that we are not skinny enough or pretty enough. We worry that we are not super-mom enough or pinteresty (yes, I just made that up) enough. And my problem is that I want to be super-mom. Some of us forget things that we need to do, or I forget things I said I would do. I often forget what I was saying mid-sentence, cause there’s always so much running through my brain. You’ll be glad to know that I haven’t forgotten my children anywhere… yet. I kid. Seriously though, I’m worried right now as I type, laying this all out in the open. What if someone thinks I’m crazy for writing this? We worry that our houses aren’t clean enough or big enough or good enough to open it to share life with others.&nbsp; I don’t like that sometimes I say harsh things in anger that I can’t take back. I hate it that I get so bogged down with the everyday cares of life that I miss seeing the blessings right in front of me. We get so focused on ourselves that we don't see the person who needs a kind word or even a smile to change their day. I struggle with other people knowing I’m struggling. And, it makes me nutty that it takes me 10 days and 3 reminders from the school to remember to send lunch money with for the kids… good thing they know where to find me… although, it apparently doesn’t matter. Do you see what I mean!?!?! <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>So in the mulling over of my epic failures, it hit me... thank you, God, that You allow me to be free to struggle. Did you get that? We are free to struggle. That is the very point of His unmerited grace. God knows we are not perfect, and He never asked us to be. Jesus was the only one who was. It’s really so easy to get sidetracked and consumed with the struggles of life that we forget that what God really wants is not for us to be all of those things or do all of those things. All He wants is all of me… all of you. And because we are so easily sidetracked… squirrel… He constantly gives opportunities to choose Him again and again. And because we will mess up again and again, His mercy is new every day. I can fail and fail and fail at whatever, but He doesn’t. Ever. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Let’s just be honest with each other. We will never be the perfect little wives… with the perfect children whose every hair is in</i></span></span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;place and everything part of their outfit matches… and the perfect houses… decorated with the perfect pinterest project. My job isn’t to be perfect. It’s to be His and to love others. Matter of fact, I think I’ll stop trying. Instead, I’ll try to teach my children what grace looks like lived out in the midst of our craziness. I will ask forgiveness when I say things I shouldn’t. I will do my best to be less offended when something is said harshly to me, and extend grace to the mouth saying it. I will try to look past my stuff to see the person standing close who needs a smile, and encouraging word, or just a hug. I’ll say to my friends, “you just c’mon over… I’ll move the laundry from the couch, and then I’ll getcha some Oreos and milk.” I will still have days when I’m overwhelmed. And don't get too optimistic, because&nbsp;</i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I will probably still forget where I’m supposed to be and what I was saying.</i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;However, I will try to be overwhelmed with His sweet grace rather than the cares of my every day.&nbsp;</i></div>annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-2093925916015773112014-08-04T21:36:00.003-05:002014-08-04T21:41:43.513-05:00yay for back to school!!!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">honestly, i've been trying all day to come up with something witty to accompany the kids pictures from the first day of school, and have come to the conclusion that there really are&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">just no words necessary...&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">attempt #1...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3ZQvztlUm0/U-A92Wj7rjI/AAAAAAAABGQ/BGLR8_gZyQA/s1600/DSC_0735+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3ZQvztlUm0/U-A92Wj7rjI/AAAAAAAABGQ/BGLR8_gZyQA/s1600/DSC_0735+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">attempt #2...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_7xKGYSmfI/U-A-YJug-BI/AAAAAAAABGw/UUJo_Mw9uFw/s1600/DSC_0738+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_7xKGYSmfI/U-A-YJug-BI/AAAAAAAABGw/UUJo_Mw9uFw/s1600/DSC_0738+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">attempt #3...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VV7hqgv5t80/U-A94TYvgDI/AAAAAAAABGg/Kv3XCKBW7zc/s1600/DSC_0736+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VV7hqgv5t80/U-A94TYvgDI/AAAAAAAABGg/Kv3XCKBW7zc/s1600/DSC_0736+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">help me out a little... can a girl at least get points for two outta three?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YbX4lLXtMC4/U-A93LwPFbI/AAAAAAAABGU/4izwE67aMcU/s1600/DSC_0737+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YbX4lLXtMC4/U-A93LwPFbI/AAAAAAAABGU/4izwE67aMcU/s1600/DSC_0737+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">this, however, made it all better...&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">sweet victory.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rlErso-iXu8/U-A-F37eY9I/AAAAAAAABGo/JHsEA8hjAjc/s1600/IMG_2331+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rlErso-iXu8/U-A-F37eY9I/AAAAAAAABGo/JHsEA8hjAjc/s1600/IMG_2331+-+Copy.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-34668065004605846962014-06-22T19:41:00.001-05:002014-06-22T21:33:52.033-05:00"mom, i need some butter!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">several weeks ago, cale and his we-are-like-brothers-best-buddy, mason, decided to prank lilybug.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">unbeknownst to us, they got the butter and slathered her doorknob.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">it was pretty funny. we were impressed.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">lily was not.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">fast forward to last week. it's 9:45 pm. past my bedtime.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">lily comes to me with and says, "hey mom, i need some butter!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">what?!?!?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"yeah, i'm gonna prank cale!"&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(that comment was followed by a laugh that would rival any cartoon villian. oh how i wish you could hear it.)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">what?!?!?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"c'mon mom!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ummm... ok!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dbcoM7pyJ4M/U6dwVnMR5zI/AAAAAAAABGA/a4Bgad3vJF0/s1600/photo+3+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dbcoM7pyJ4M/U6dwVnMR5zI/AAAAAAAABGA/a4Bgad3vJF0/s1600/photo+3+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eg0YKbWoauE/U6dwOHJImMI/AAAAAAAABFs/0TDtP4M5PTg/s1600/IMG_1039+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eg0YKbWoauE/U6dwOHJImMI/AAAAAAAABFs/0TDtP4M5PTg/s1600/IMG_1039+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yf-au8MF5sQ/U6dwN-CDZFI/AAAAAAAABFo/ZVixISIJcQU/s1600/photo+1+-+Copy+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yf-au8MF5sQ/U6dwN-CDZFI/AAAAAAAABFo/ZVixISIJcQU/s1600/photo+1+-+Copy+(2).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x8XTJFnGS14/U6dwOZWwuQI/AAAAAAAABFw/iREFW7bdfss/s1600/photo+2+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x8XTJFnGS14/U6dwOZWwuQI/AAAAAAAABFw/iREFW7bdfss/s1600/photo+2+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">it was funny. especially cale's reaction. he freaked, ran away, and came back with a towel completely puzzled until he saw us laughing... then he realized lily got him.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">quite amusing for 3 little kiddos, i'd say.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">as a bystander, my advice to cale and mason would be this...</div><div style="text-align: center;">you boys should really watch it.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">cause i'm pretty sure you have no idea who you're messing with...</div><div style="text-align: center;">she's paying attention.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-31997979999740361252014-05-15T22:29:00.002-05:002014-05-15T22:29:33.057-05:00happy 5th birthday, bug!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5WmCPopVnIQ/U3WDVBj6nHI/AAAAAAAABEM/jwS7l2SE3aY/s1600/IMG_3266+-+Copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5WmCPopVnIQ/U3WDVBj6nHI/AAAAAAAABEM/jwS7l2SE3aY/s1600/IMG_3266+-+Copy.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">five years ago today we were blessed with sweet lilybug.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">i truly cannot fathom life without her amazing perspective.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">she reminds us to take the time to discover the sweet little moments of each day...&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">she greets each adventure with an abundance of enthusiasm...&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the joy that overflows from the very depths of her being speaks life into each soul she comes across.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">lily is a living example of and my daily reminder that God's plans are better than my own. for that, Papa God, I am beyond grateful.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-14351360640912815802014-04-29T21:55:00.001-05:002014-04-29T21:55:09.860-05:00dinner drawings... <div style="text-align: center;">tonight daddy took aunt b and me to dinner...&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">we let the kids tag along.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">we were discussing our days and trying to decide what to eat as lilybug was coloring away on a note pad.</div><div style="text-align: center;">our sweet server came to get our order and as she was finishing up, lily said "hey, i wanna give this to you!"</div><div style="text-align: center;">as lilybug handed the paper to our server, i caught a glimpse of what she'd been working on. it was a cross, colored in pen, and about the size of the piece of paper. the server was gracious and thanked lily for the pretty picture. what came next made us all tear up... lily very proudly exclaimed,&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">"that's for Jesus dying on the cross!"&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">i want to be courageous...&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">i want to be bold...&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">i want childlike faith.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-12981138399765253762014-04-15T17:29:00.000-05:002014-04-15T17:29:20.289-05:00national siblings day... a week-ish late.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">i heard last thursday was national siblings day. so this makes me a little late to the game... but i thought i'd give a little whirl anyway...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tM5o0RkquMc/U01y2JpwLMI/AAAAAAAABD8/5_Iw3g-HMaM/s1600/IMG_8715+-+Copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tM5o0RkquMc/U01y2JpwLMI/AAAAAAAABD8/5_Iw3g-HMaM/s1600/IMG_8715+-+Copy.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">that one there... the one with no hair... he belongs to me.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">my big, little brother.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">that kid can (<i>still</i>) push my buttons like no other person on this planet... i mean it. like. no. one.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">he makes me want to call our dad and tattle sometimes... and i'mma big girl...&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">his words can come out a little prickly...&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">he will throw me under the bus in a new york minute...&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">his face is always what i think of when i am digging through my spice cabinet and come across the jar of "dill weed"...&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>BUT</i>...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">he's brilliant... really.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">he cries when he opens his special christmas presents...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">those prickly words... most of the time they're full of truth...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">he'll defend me, regardless of the issues, if anyone else were to try to throw me under the bus...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">he's a phone call away, any time of the day or night...&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and i love him dearly...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">i 'spose i'll keep him.</div>annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-49024182411796689342014-03-30T21:21:00.000-05:002014-03-30T21:30:52.302-05:00not just a memory verse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">to our sweet teachers,&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">thank you... thank you... thank you. you may be teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic... but there is so much more. i cannot imagine how long some days must be, but there is purpose. daily you are planting seeds in the lives of our precious little ones. seeds that are already beginning to bear fruit... seeds that will continue to bear fruit... you are impacting generations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xxYTEZZyyHM/UzjTICl-IMI/AAAAAAAABDk/CvrTFWcKdag/s1600/photo+2+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xxYTEZZyyHM/UzjTICl-IMI/AAAAAAAABDk/CvrTFWcKdag/s1600/photo+2+-+Copy.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">these may be a couple of gracie's memory verses from january, but i see <i>so</i> much more.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />i see a declaration.&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">i see a declaration Gods' promises.&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">i see those promises of His words in her own sweet handwriting.&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in that handwriting i see the words of her Heavenly Father being declared over her own life.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6wJqFCYLzI/UzjTIBZFnPI/AAAAAAAABDo/a74Ztd7N9SM/s1600/photo+1+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6wJqFCYLzI/UzjTIBZFnPI/AAAAAAAABDo/a74Ztd7N9SM/s1600/photo+1+-+Copy.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and, it is priceless.</div><br />annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-72888694862053618412014-03-24T21:54:00.001-05:002014-03-24T22:00:18.589-05:00tea for two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">over the weekend lily asked if she could have a tea party outside.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">sure! fantastic! great idea!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">we packed up the plastic tea set and she headed out to the garage while the other kids and daddy were playing basketball.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">i stepped out into the garage to find this... and i decided to hang around with the camera to see how it turned out...&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZ0apJV6H7g/UyufjRn5X-I/AAAAAAAABCM/nnYVhKO7sGA/s1600/DSC_0860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZ0apJV6H7g/UyufjRn5X-I/AAAAAAAABCM/nnYVhKO7sGA/s1600/DSC_0860.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">she instructed him on the "proper" way to drink his tea... "pinkies out!"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-baffAb7Eq3I/UyufjsCw2MI/AAAAAAAABCQ/g9VRtpVhgME/s1600/DSC_0880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-baffAb7Eq3I/UyufjsCw2MI/AAAAAAAABCQ/g9VRtpVhgME/s1600/DSC_0880.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">so he drank and she refilled...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rx1gRwMJaEU/UyufXpvMkkI/AAAAAAAABCE/HVzesUOj3Pc/s1600/DSC_0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rx1gRwMJaEU/UyufXpvMkkI/AAAAAAAABCE/HVzesUOj3Pc/s1600/DSC_0866.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and they laughed...&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F46IXZwzb34/UyugWHdq45I/AAAAAAAABCc/A8tLSB-rMCw/s1600/DSC_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F46IXZwzb34/UyugWHdq45I/AAAAAAAABCc/A8tLSB-rMCw/s1600/DSC_0885.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and talked about tea parties and what it's like to be four...&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXQQlfnFHBk/UyugbGkmCJI/AAAAAAAABCk/S1W8EBh9iRQ/s1600/DSC_0889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXQQlfnFHBk/UyugbGkmCJI/AAAAAAAABCk/S1W8EBh9iRQ/s1600/DSC_0889.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and then he told her she could never get married... ever.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLloEoHQQzg/Uyuge1HLwzI/AAAAAAAABCs/pVh1vcS6MPQ/s1600/DSC_0897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLloEoHQQzg/Uyuge1HLwzI/AAAAAAAABCs/pVh1vcS6MPQ/s1600/DSC_0897.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and she told him she was <i>never</i> going away to college cause "who'd snuggle with mommy?" ummmmm, well...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">then he asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up to be a big girl. she answered and told him that she wanted to take care of animals. he told her he thought that being a veterinarian was a fantastic idea! this was her reaction to being told someday&nbsp;<i>she</i> could be a vet...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rnNbWslytVk/Uyugw2BMbXI/AAAAAAAABC0/l2daVEjZqOo/s1600/DSC_0898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rnNbWslytVk/Uyugw2BMbXI/AAAAAAAABC0/l2daVEjZqOo/s1600/DSC_0898.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">yesp... sweetest thing... ever.</div><br />annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-23021304445989915002014-03-10T18:07:00.003-05:002014-03-10T18:07:28.977-05:00it's the little things... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">it's the little things...&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez1h_kY8vcU/Ut2CKQJUyzI/AAAAAAAAA_4/IS4q9YWZqUU/s1600/Escalator+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez1h_kY8vcU/Ut2CKQJUyzI/AAAAAAAAA_4/IS4q9YWZqUU/s1600/Escalator+(1).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">like an escalator ride down and back up...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lqFsJfNfiOE/Ut2CKSWKFUI/AAAAAAAAA_0/6hK55wMi21M/s1600/Escalator+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lqFsJfNfiOE/Ut2CKSWKFUI/AAAAAAAAA_0/6hK55wMi21M/s1600/Escalator+(2).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">that make me stop and think...&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lord, help me to see my world through Your eyes. Help me to take time for the little things, find joy in the little moments, and enjoy every minute of each precious day You've given me with Your children.&nbsp;</div>annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-84062873434430948812014-03-07T06:42:00.000-06:002014-03-07T06:42:41.087-06:00treasures in the birdhouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-upzCgphZxSE/UxaYNApVSFI/AAAAAAAABBY/nyH8rvUdma4/s1600/DSC_0833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-upzCgphZxSE/UxaYNApVSFI/AAAAAAAABBY/nyH8rvUdma4/s1600/DSC_0833.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">this is the sweet little birdhouse lily painted while spending the weekend with andie sophia.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gL0s8uuuqKE/UxaYMtXBtmI/AAAAAAAABBU/WxwQzyXAN1o/s1600/DSC_0831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gL0s8uuuqKE/UxaYMtXBtmI/AAAAAAAABBU/WxwQzyXAN1o/s1600/DSC_0831.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">this is the glimpse of "um... that's-not-a-bird" i caught while attempting to tuck her into bed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vPmqbKmzHRA/UxaYNHG5v9I/AAAAAAAABBc/MdamphPJIDA/s1600/DSC_0838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vPmqbKmzHRA/UxaYNHG5v9I/AAAAAAAABBc/MdamphPJIDA/s1600/DSC_0838.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">this is what the fourteen dollars i've been hunting for looks like after lily <strike>unsuccessfully</strike>&nbsp;"hid" it into the birdhouse... notice the $10 bill torn in half... "cause it just wouldn't fit!!!"</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp; ... and the barbie necklace she was hiding from grace.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">oh... that... girl.</div><br />annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-37620945328907290132014-03-04T21:46:00.001-06:002014-03-04T21:49:56.458-06:00the little blue bean <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;most conversations these days regarding lily start with "oh, that girl..." this is <i>certainly</i> no exception.<br /><br />she was sitting in my lap at my office telling me all about her day. in true dramatic lily form, she tossed her head back during a particular part of her story and i caught a hint of blue in one of her nostrils. hmmm... she must have a runny nose i thought. but as she tossed that head again, i realized that was not the case. no, not at all. something was blue. pearly blue.<br /><br />me: "lily, is there something in your nose?"<br /><br />lily: "yep."<br /><br />me: "um... what is it? did you put something in your nose."<br />(panic begins rising at this moment)<br /><br />lily (as cool as a cucumber): "it's a blue bean. i put it there during P.E."<br /><br />me: "what?!?!?!?! why????"<br /><br />squirrel alert: why i ever ask "why" is beyond me. most of the time the response is a shrugging of the shoulders, and a realization that the truth is they don't know. there is no consideration of any consequences. there is (at this point) only a curiosity that drives them to do act. sorry... back to lily's story...<br /><br />lily: "i don't know."<br /><br />and the truth was she didn't know, she just did it. and she was very matter-of-fact about it.<br /><br />i made a beeline for miss karla's office. in her ever calm manner, karla offered to help get it out. i'll spare you all the dramatic details, but i will say that there were four of us holding her down and one with the suction. it didn't work. finally mid-screaming, she was able to blow it out. yuck-o... yes. i don't think lily will do that again. oh, i hope she doesn't do it again...<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vlB85gvb-g/UvuyKNsBH7I/AAAAAAAABAM/w7fTj0zB7Dk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vlB85gvb-g/UvuyKNsBH7I/AAAAAAAABAM/w7fTj0zB7Dk/s1600/photo.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"little blue bean"</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">you're welcome for the visual.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">i can assure you there will be a sequel... just hoping it doesn't involve anything in the nose next time.</div><br /><div><br /></div>annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-42626401317177240622014-03-01T21:55:00.003-06:002014-03-01T22:05:13.006-06:00so long...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqvDmVniuY0/UxKq9CCtw9I/AAAAAAAABBE/lbZJbBqDIxc/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqvDmVniuY0/UxKq9CCtw9I/AAAAAAAABBE/lbZJbBqDIxc/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="195" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">wigglesworth... out!</span></div><div><br /></div>annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-72859495650839155912014-02-24T21:47:00.001-06:002014-02-24T21:47:39.114-06:00get lost.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OylKPP551mo/UwwKhsa3e6I/AAAAAAAABA0/-zD3aPU3Y8M/s1600/DSC_0732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OylKPP551mo/UwwKhsa3e6I/AAAAAAAABA0/-zD3aPU3Y8M/s1600/DSC_0732.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">meet wigglesworth, the tooth cale cannot lose.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">cale tried. i tried. aunt b tried. miss karla wants to try.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">i'm pretty sure i can see wigglesworth's replacement when it moves to the side.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and yet wigglesworth insists on staying the course.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">it sticks out, pushes in, and shifts both ways.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">it's holding on by a thread... root... whatever.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2LU1VusUqYc/UwwKhzjZZUI/AAAAAAAABA4/ou1FDRRTj8s/s1600/DSC_0735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2LU1VusUqYc/UwwKhzjZZUI/AAAAAAAABA4/ou1FDRRTj8s/s1600/DSC_0735.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">wigglesworth... your days are numbered.</div>annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413791080457253679.post-14211836812944901952014-02-20T20:02:00.001-06:002014-02-20T20:14:31.882-06:00i get it...<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17ywk1Hf8Og/Uwa2awViMMI/AAAAAAAABAc/M3MzZ1vY6jw/s1600/candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17ywk1Hf8Og/Uwa2awViMMI/AAAAAAAABAc/M3MzZ1vY6jw/s1600/candles.jpg" height="145" width="400" /></a></div><br />i have had a VERY&nbsp;hard time facing this week... mainly because it's the week of my birthday. i am&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">THIRTEEEEEEEEEE-FIIIIIIIIVVVVEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">actually, today is the day. in case you didn't know me then, ten years ago (and for many&nbsp;years before) we didn't just celebrate my actual birth-day. we celebrated my birth-<i>month</i>. and by "we", i mean everyone. everyone knew my birthday was on it's way. i made sure of it. then life changed and the pendulum, well it's been heading in the opposite direction for years. yesterday, that pendulum hit its end. i actually said i didn't want to celebrate my birthday. WHAT??? i know, grant and chay, the impossible has actually happened.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">i think a lot of this has come from quite a bit of self-reflection i've been doing lately. apparently i should stop. i certainly don't "feel" thirty-five, but then again, i don't actually know what thirty-five is supposed to feel like. i guess in my head it's a transition age. &nbsp;things like no more babies, and actually old enough to have given birth to a high-school senior when, in my head i am only twenty-two. how the heck does this happen? where does the time go? how is it possible that my "first child" (hayden) is about to be 15? how is it possible that gracie is halfway to college? WHAT???? this is nuts. oh, there's more reflecting that's gone on, but you get the idea.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and then this morning, while in the shower, i had a God-moment... yep, the kind that aren't your idea. wanna know what the outcome of it was? it was the revelation that i today is not just another birthday i am obligated to, i <i>get</i> another day... because my Papa numbered them and He has good plans for me for today.</div><div style="text-align: center;">my Heavenly Father has blessed me with another day that i <i>get</i> to be His girl... i <i>get</i> the opportunity to say yes to Him and whatever He asks of me... i <i>get</i> to be part of a plan that brings Him glory...</div><div style="text-align: center;">today, i <i>get </i>it.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06757551329671104281noreply@blogger.com0